1. Replace or clean the matinside your front door. A dirty or worn mat won't trap dirt, leaving your carpets and floors vulnerable to stains from tracked-in soil. If your mat isn't washable, just vacuum it on both sides. By flipping it over and vacuuming the back, you'll push the deep-down dirt out onto the floor where it's easier to suck up.

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2. Don't forget the table pads Serve dinner on a table unprotected by pads and risk exposing the wood surface to burns from hot dishes and blemishes from spilled drinks. If you don't have pads, cover your table first with a fabric-backed plastic cloth (like the one from your outdoor table), then with your decorative fabric cloth. This will provide heat protection and keep spills from soaking completely through.

3. Keep clean cloths handy Stash a few absorbent cloths in the drawers or cabinets in your living, dining, and family rooms where guests will be eating and drinking so they are at-the-ready to sop up spills when they happen. Go for microfiber cloths, they're super absorbent.

4. Fill a spray bottle with clear water. Use it to quickly spritz carpet or upholstery stains before blotting with your cloth. This will keep them from setting and make them easier to remove later on after your guests have gone home.

5. Give the coffee table, end tables, and kitchen countertops a good coat of your favorite polish. The extra layer of protection will help water and wine dribbles bead up so you have more time to wipe them up. To be even safer, place plenty of coasters out and about.

To find out how to remove red wine, candle wax and more from fabrics, carpeting, and upholstery, check out our online holiday stain guide. Got chipped stemware or water rings on wood from last year's guests? Our fix-it guide gives you the advice and product recommendations you'll need to make these minor household repairs in a hurry.

Have you had some household disasters caused by holiday guests? If so, I'd love to hear about them!